Good Bye to a Stranger
“Hello,” excruciating pain;
you left, but you are here again.
I had wished you a fond good bye
and you are here again, but why?
This time you have come with shingles
where both itching and pain mingles.
You left with my spine in a mess
but leaving brought some happiness.
It’s easier to carry on
after your friends and you are gone.
If your absence was permanent,
i’d never wonder where you went.
I said, “hello,” but now i say,
“Take your troubles and go away.”

Walt Abbott–4-10-2009